An outdoor fire pit is a fantastic way to enjoy your backyard, whether you’re roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply relaxing by the warmth of the fire. However, building a fire pit doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and effort, you can create stunning fire pit settings without breaking the bank. Below, we explore 40 simple fire pit setting ideas on a budget that will transform your outdoor space into a cozy retreat.
Fire Pit Setting Ideas on a Budget
When it comes to outdoor fire pits, you don’t need to spend a lot to get a beautiful and functional setup. Many budget-friendly fire pit ideas are easy to execute and require only a few materials that are often easy to source. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm, modern simplicity, or a DIY-inspired design, you’ll find plenty of options in this list to create a fire pit area that’s perfect for your backyard.
1. Simple Circular Gravel Fire Pit
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to set up a fire pit is by creating a circular gravel base. Arrange stones or bricks in a ring and place a metal fire pit in the center. This design is minimalist but still offers a classic fire pit experience.
Why It’s Great: Requires minimal materials and is quick to assemble.
2. Wooden Pallet Seating Around Fire Pit
Repurpose wooden pallets to create inexpensive seating around your fire pit. Stack the pallets to the desired height and top them with cushions or blankets for extra comfort.
Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly and allows for customization based on your space.
3. Rustic Sunken Fire Pit with Wooden Benches
Dig a small pit in your backyard and surround it with rustic wooden benches. This sunken fire pit design adds intimacy and creates a cozy, comfortable atmosphere.
Why It’s Great: Adds a rustic charm and makes your fire pit area feel more private.
4. Cement Block and Gravel Fire Pit
Create a simple fire pit using cement blocks arranged in a circle. Fill the bottom of the fire pit with gravel. This simple setup is easy to build and highly functional.
Why It’s Great: Inexpensive and durable, making it a great DIY option.
5. Half Log Benches Around a Fire Pit
Use logs that are cut in half to create seating around your fire pit. These natural-looking benches add a rustic touch and can be arranged for a comfortable seating area.
Why It’s Great: It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective seating option.
6. Stone Fire Pit with Barrel Stools
For a more rustic design, take an old barrel, cut it in half, and use the pieces as stools around your stone fire pit. This design pairs the charm of barrel stools with the functionality of a stone base.
Why It’s Great: Reuses materials and offers a unique, rustic aesthetic.
7. Flagstone Fire Pit Patio with Wooden Seating
Build a patio using flagstones as a base for your fire pit. Then, add wooden benches or chairs around the fire to create a comfortable seating area.
Why It’s Great: Flagstones offer a refined look while remaining budget-friendly.
8. Gravel Patio with Metal Fire Pit
Use gravel as the foundation for your fire pit and pair it with a metal fire pit ring. Surround the space with patio chairs for a simple yet elegant fire pit setup.
Why It’s Great: A quick and affordable way to add a fire pit to your backyard.
9. River Rock Fire Pit with Simple Seating
Create a fire pit surrounded by river rocks. Use simple stone or wooden benches around the fire pit for seating. The river rock adds a natural feel to the setup.
Why It’s Great: Blends well with the natural surroundings of your backyard.
10. Tree Stump Seating and Gravel Fire Pit
Repurpose tree stumps as seating and surround your fire pit with gravel for a simple, rustic design. The stumps add an earthy, natural charm to your fire pit setting.
Why It’s Great: It’s an inexpensive, DIY-friendly design that uses natural materials.
11. Brick and Gravel Fire Pit with Wooden Chairs
This classic design uses a brick ring around the fire pit, paired with gravel as the base. Surround the fire pit with wooden chairs for a comfortable and stylish seating arrangement.
Why It’s Great: The brick and gravel setup provides a sturdy, stylish foundation that’s easy to build.
12. Sunken Flagstone Fire Pit
Dig a small pit and use flagstones to surround it, creating a sunken fire pit that feels intimate and cozy. This design adds a unique look to your fire pit while maintaining a natural feel.
Why It’s Great: Sunken designs create a more intimate space for gatherings.
13. DIY Concrete Ring Fire Pit
Build a sleek, minimalist fire pit using concrete to form the outer ring. You can easily create a modern look while keeping costs low by combining concrete with inexpensive seating options like wooden chairs or logs.
Why It’s Great: Concrete provides a modern, low-maintenance solution for fire pits.
14. Circular Fire Pit with Colorful Cushions
Use gravel to form a circular fire pit area and add colorful cushions to the surrounding seating for a bright and inviting outdoor space. This setup is perfect for those who want to add personality to their backyard.
Why It’s Great: Simple yet colorful, making it both functional and visually appealing.
15. Simple Stone Patio with Wooden Chairs
Create a simple stone patio and place a fire pit in the center. Add wooden chairs around it for a clean, classic fire pit setup that’s easy to build.
Why It’s Great: Low-maintenance and versatile, this design works for most backyard sizes.
16. Crushed Stone Patio with Concrete Fire Pit
For a minimalist aesthetic, use crushed stone to form the patio around your fire pit and pair it with a concrete ring for the fire pit. This simple design offers a modern look without breaking the bank.
Why It’s Great: Crushed stone is inexpensive, and concrete adds a clean, modern edge.
17. Pebble and Gravel Fire Pit with Bench Seating
Create a fire pit area using pebbles and gravel as a base. Add bench seating around the fire pit for a comfortable, budget-friendly setup that can accommodate several guests.
Why It’s Great: Provides ample seating without requiring expensive materials.
18. Adirondack Chairs Around the Fire Pit
Add classic Adirondack chairs around your fire pit for a stylish and comfortable seating option. This timeless design is perfect for enjoying long evenings by the fire.
Why It’s Great: Offers a cozy, inviting look that complements any fire pit design.
19. Gravel Fire Pit with Boulders
For a rugged and natural feel, use large boulders as seating around a gravel fire pit. This design uses oversized stones to create a striking, low-maintenance fire pit area.
Why It’s Great: Durable, low-maintenance, and perfect for a natural, rugged setting.
20. Rustic Fire Pit with Recycled Materials
For an eco-friendly option, use recycled materials such as old bricks, wood, or metal for your fire pit and seating area. This is a cost-effective way to create a functional, unique space.
Why It’s Great: Reusing materials is both environmentally friendly and budget-conscious.
21. Stone Fire Pit with Wooden Log Seating
Build a simple stone fire pit and use logs for seating. This rustic, natural design is easy to create and adds charm to any backyard.
Why It’s Great: It’s a straightforward DIY project that provides a cozy and functional space.
22. Concrete Fire Pit with Steel Chairs
Pair a concrete fire pit with steel chairs for a sleek, industrial look. This modern design is easy to build and offers a sturdy seating arrangement.
Why It’s Great: Combines durability with style at an affordable cost.
23. Gravel and Cement Block Fire Pit Design
Use cement blocks to form a simple ring around your fire pit and surround it with gravel. This budget-friendly design is functional, easy to build, and offers a contemporary look.
Why It’s Great: Simple to assemble and cost-effective.
24. Wooden Fire Pit Bench Setup
Build a simple wooden bench around your fire pit. Use basic lumber or reclaimed wood for a rustic, budget-friendly seating solution.
Why It’s Great: Easy to build and adds warmth to your outdoor space.
25. Sand and Gravel Fire Pit
If you prefer a quick and simple setup, dig a small hole in the sand and surround it with gravel for a minimalist fire pit. This design works well for beachside or garden areas.
Why It’s Great: Requires minimal effort and is easy to set up.
26. Simple Stone Fire Pit with Tree Stump Seats
Create a fire pit with stones and use tree stumps as seating around it. This natural design blends seamlessly into any outdoor space and is a simple DIY project.
Why It’s Great: Low cost, uses natural materials, and adds a rustic touch.
27. Simple Stone Patio with Fire Pit Design
Create a basic stone patio with a fire pit in the center. Use minimal materials for a straightforward and attractive setup.
Why It’s Great: Versatile and easy to create with basic landscaping stones.
28. Budget-Friendly Fire Pit with Landscape Stones
Use inexpensive landscape stones to build a fire pit and create a seating area with simple chairs. This design is affordable and works well for small to medium-sized yards.
Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly and easy to execute with basic materials.
29. Circular Fire Pit with Wooden Stump Seating
Create a circular fire pit surrounded by wooden stumps. This is a cost-effective way to build a unique, rustic seating area that complements your fire pit.
Why It’s Great: Simple, functional, and affordable.
30. Sunken Fire Pit with Flagstone Patio
Dig a small sunken fire pit and surround it with a flagstone patio. This design is cozy and creates a sense of intimacy for small gatherings.
Why It’s Great: Adds a cozy, tucked-away feel to your fire pit area.
31. Fire Pit in a Rectangular Gravel Patio
Use a rectangular gravel base and place a simple fire pit in the center. Surround the area with casual seating to create a functional, stylish fire pit setting.
Why It’s Great: Modern and minimalist, perfect for small or large yards.
32. Gravel Fire Pit with Boulders and Simple Chairs
Create a low-cost fire pit area by surrounding your gravel pit with large boulders and simple outdoor chairs. This simple design provides a natural, rustic look.
Why It’s Great: Uses affordable materials and adds a rugged feel to the yard.
33. Log Bench Fire Pit Area
Repurpose logs as benches around your fire pit. This simple yet effective design works perfectly for creating a natural, budget-friendly seating area.
Why It’s Great: A rustic and cost-effective seating solution that ties in with natural surroundings.
34. Simple Patio Design with Fire Pit and Chairs
Create a simple patio area with a fire pit in the center and a few comfortable chairs around it. This minimalist design works well for small spaces.
Why It’s Great: Affordable and easy to maintain.
35. Simple DIY Gravel Fire Pit with Stone Bench Seating
Use gravel as the base for your fire pit and stone for the bench seating. This simple, budget-friendly design gives your yard a clean, polished look.
Why It’s Great: Minimal materials, maximum impact.
36. Budget-Friendly Log Bench and Fire Pit Design
Use logs to create simple seating around your fire pit. This budget-friendly option adds a natural touch and works well in any outdoor space.
Why It’s Great: Simple, natural, and functional.
37. Crushed Stone and Concrete Fire Pit Setup
Combine crushed stone with a concrete fire pit ring to create a sleek, contemporary fire pit area. This setup is easy to assemble and works well for modern yards.
Why It’s Great: Durable, low-maintenance, and stylish.
38. Gravel Patio with Stone Fire Pit and Benches
Create a gravel patio around your fire pit and add stone benches for a rustic and comfortable setting. This design is cost-effective and easy to build.
Why It’s Great: Offers a rustic and inviting atmosphere without a high price tag.
39. Flagstone Fire Pit with Bench Seating
Arrange flagstones in a simple pattern and surround your fire pit with comfortable bench seating. This timeless design offers both function and style.
Why It’s Great: Elegant and easy to put together.
40. Fire Pit Setup with Tree Stump Seating
Use a basic fire pit setup with surrounding tree stumps as seating. This simple design adds charm and a rustic feel to your backyard.
Why It’s Great: Low cost and incredibly charming, this design connects you with nature.
Conclusion
Creating an inviting and cozy fire pit area doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. With these 40 simple fire pit setting ideas on a budget, you can transform your backyard into a beautiful retreat for relaxing with family and friends. From stone fire pits to tree stump seating, these DIY designs offer a wide range of options to suit your style and budget. Let your creativity shine as you build the perfect outdoor space to enjoy for years to come.
